Caroling Starts Tonight!

Tonight is the first night of our annual caroling ministry! It's something I look forward to every year and it kind of kicks Christmas into high gear for me.

Basically, I go to the church leadership and ask for a list of names of people in the church that could use an expression of love or encouragement right now. They give us 20 names and I get help from other volunteers to make content for gift baskets that we surprise them with some evening, along with a big group of carolers to sing them a few Christmas songs at their door.

We spend three nights caravaning and carpooling around town, braving the rain and trying not to get lost. (Curse you Mapquest!!) It's a ton of of fun, a great adventure, and possibly the most meaningful part of my Christmas each year.

This will be my seventh year leading it and it just wouldn't feel like Christmas if I didn't!

Wow, that's a great idea!
What a blessing you all must bring to these happy 20!

How did they react to their surprises?

The church I went to when I was in high school was next door to an old folks home and every year the church went caroling over there. That was pretty fun.

ComiKate wrote:Wow, that's a great idea!
What a blessing you all must bring to these happy 20!

How did they react to their surprises?

It's different year to year and person to person. Some simply smile and say thank, others break down and cry, and others are unreadable until I hear that they called the church to express their thanks.

In addition, the people involved find themselves incredibly moved and grateful to be a part of it. A couple new to caroling this year stopped me on Sunday to say they can't wait until next year. It just seems to be good ministry on both ends and this year was no exception.